Existential Quandary: Should “Man With Hat” Continue? Or Should I?
I’m in a bit of a conundrum here.
There’s a monthly show in which I am involved, a review of local songwriters, and the usually incredibly supportive organizer, Geoff, always forgets to use my stage name when writing up press stuff. I recently sent him an email, asking if it was a big deal. He apologized and said that he never remembers because he doesn’t understand it.
Then, I realized, neither did I.
Why do I go by Man With Hat at all? It’s not a play on the one-hit-wonders “Men Without Hats.” And it’s not because I wear a hat all the time (though it certainly is a majority of the time), or that hats are a large part of my identity. And there’s nothing particularly wrong with my name as is; it’s perfectly memorable. MWH is just a pseudonym that sounded right at the right time. And I’m not certain it does anymore.
I’m starting to put out solo albums, and it’s the time to wonder whether I shouldn’t use my real name.
What do you think, internet? Should Man With Hat continue, or should the musical career of one Aaron J Shay begin instead?
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uchinaguchi answered:
I think it depends on who you want to eventually transform your music through. MWH or Aaron J. Shay?
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oscardewinter answered:
I say “A.J. Shayshay” is a perfectly decent route to go down.
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sarahalyse answered:
You do have to consider that Geoff’s a bit of a tool. In the end, do what you feel…but for my part, I like Man With Hat. It suits you.
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tesla-lala answered:
If it feels right, do it. I seem to rely on pseudonyms. Anytime I try to switch, everything stops working. I do miss the interrobang, however
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